
25 Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract
- Alleviates oxidative stress by increasing the production of anti-oxidative enzymes that scavenge free radicals.
- As an anti-inflammatory, pine bark extract can decrease the amount of circulating inflammatory substances in the blood stream.
- Improves the absorption of other antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E.
What are the side effects of pine bark?
Side effects of Pine Bark Extract
- Nausea. Some people report feeling dizzy after the initial doses of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract. ...
- Migraines. Pycnogenol may also cause some mild headache episodes that pass soon after the first weeks.
- Bleeding. ...
- Hypoglycemic episodes. ...
Why do pine trees shed their bark?
Why Does a Tree Lose Its Bark?
- Exfoliation. A tree grows by forming a new layer of fibrous tissues deep within its core. ...
- Disease. Certain fungal diseases developing just beneath a tree's outer bark cause it to fall off in bits or larger pieces often seen on the ground at its base.
- Insect and Animal Damage. ...
- Considerations. ...
Why does the pine tree have a thick bark?
- Brown, R.W., Lawrence, M.J. & Pope, J. (2004). ...
- Mitchell, A. (1982). ...
- Steven, H.M. & Carlisle, A. ...
- Street, L. & S. ...
- Tudge, C. (2005). ...
- Wohlleben, P. (2017). ...
- http://publicationslist.org/data/pfern/ref-25/Fernandes%20et%20al.%20FEM%202008.pdf (Accessed June 23rd 2020)
- https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.12372 (Accessed June 23rd 2020)
What is pine bark good for?
Pine Bark Extract is good for lowering blood pressure and giving you mental clarity and better memory. Not to mention, it can improve health to patients with Diabetes and other immune conditions. Pycnogenol is well-known for its effects on wound healing and skin regeneration.

How much pine bark should I take daily?
Dosing. Maritime pine bark extract has most often been used by adults at a dose of 50 mg, taken 2-3 times daily, for up to one year. It's also used in various products, including creams and topical powders. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition ...
How long does it take for pine bark to work?
Most of the beneficial substances in pine bark extract should absorb into your system within 24-48 hours.
What are the side effects of pine bark?
Is it safe? No major side-effects have been reported in previous trials, although minor side-effects include stomach upsets and headaches. In theory, pine bark may lower blood pressure and blood sugar level, and these effects have also been reported in some RCTs.
Can you take pine bark daily?
Pycnogenol is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in doses of 50 mg to 450 mg daily for up to one year, and when applied to the skin as a cream for up to 7 days or as a powder for up to 6 weeks. Pycnogenol can cause dizziness, gut problems, headache, and mouth ulcers.
How do you make pine bark tea?
Bring water to a boil in a stainless steel pan.Add pine needles. The addition of the needles should bring the water temperature down below boiling.For a milder tea, remove from heat and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. ... Strain out pine needles, sweeten to taste, and serve tea hot or cold.
Does pine bark extract raise blood pressure?
Add pine-bark extract to the list of dietary supplements that don't live up to their promises of improved health.
How do you eat pine bark?
Raw white pine bark is too fibrous to eat very much of. You can chew it until your jaw hurts and it remains balled up in one large mass. However heat the bark to crispness, something like a potato chip you purchase as a snack from the grocery store, and the bark becomes a tasty treat.
What is the difference between Pycnogenol and pine bark?
Pycnogenol is a trademarked name for pine bark extract, and there is little to no difference between the two in terms of composition or effects. You might use pine bark extract or pycnogenol to help treat a variety of medical conditions, including chronic venous insufficiency, retinopathy or erectile dysfunction.
Is pine bark toxic?
Considerations. Toxic pine bark mulch is dangerous for plants. To ensure your pine bark is healthy, cut it from a healthy tree, and apply it while still fresh. If old pine bark develops a foul smell, spread it in an area away from plants to expose it to air.
Is pine bark extract good for your eyes?
A recent study published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics reveals Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, can improve microcirculation, retinal edema and visual acuity in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy.
Does pine bark increase testosterone?
Made from the bark of Mediterranean pine trees, pine bark extract can be effective in lowering cholesterol, improving heart health, and treating erectile dysfunction. Recent research has shown that combining pine bark extract with L-arginine has a positive effect on testosterone production.
Does pine bark make you constipated?
Safety of Pine Bark Extract Common side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, urinary retention, urinary frequency, constipation, and increased perspiration.
How long does pine bark extract last?
Research suggests that consistently taking pine bark extract for over a month may improve athletic performance. The study found that young adults supplementing with pine bark extract were able to run on a treadmill for a longer duration of time compared to those taking a placebo.
What is the best supplement for kidney function?
Pine bark extract , also known as Pycnogenol, this supplement improves everything from blood pressure to healthy kidney function.
Does pine bark help kidneys?
2) Improves Kidney Health. One study found that taking pine bark extract may increase the functioning of kidneys while decre asing the potential for kidney damage resulting from high blood pressure.
Does pine bark help with blood pressure?
Taking pine bark extract supports healthy blood pressure. Studies have found that supplementing with pycnogenol effectively strengthens the blood vessels, stabilizing blood pressure. This ensures that there is a healthy flow of blood to and from the heart. Taking pine bark extract also increases the blood circulation between blood vessels ...
Is pine bark good for you?
The Benefits of Pine Bark Extract. Some studies have found that taking pine bark extract can produce numerous benefits for your health. Listed here are some benefits linked to taking pine bark extract.
Can you take pine bark extract in pill form?
Pine bark extract can be taken orally in pill form. How much depends on the condition you are treating:
Can pine bark extract cause dizziness?
Before taking this supplement, take the following into consideration: Pine bark extract may result in some side effects such as headaches, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, and ulcers in the mouth.
Does pine bark help with arthritis?
It also lowers inflammatory markers. If you suffer from arthritic joints, a pine bark supplement could help.
Does pine bark help with pigmentation?
Too much melanin in our skin causes hyperpigmentation. Clinical studies suggest that pine bark can help reduce pigmentation and promote a more even complexion. It is believed that the antioxidants in pine bark help to give the skin natural protection against UV rays which increases the production of melanin.
Who discovered the health benefits of pine bark?
Trusted Source. ). In the 1940s, scientist Jacques Masquelier began studying the health effects of pine bark after learning that indigenous peoples of North America were using pine bark tea to heal scurvy and wounds ( 1. Trusted Source.
What are the nutrients in pine bark?
The following is a brief summary of the most notable polyphenol nutrients in pine bark extract and how they may benefit human health: Procyanidins. A type of flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant and appears to have medicinal properties.
What is the best pine bark extract?
Pycnogenol is one of the most common pine bark extracts on the market. It’s also a common ingredient in other supplement blends. Most commercial supplements suggest a daily dosage. Still, the amount of pine bark you should take may vary depending on why you’re taking it and other factors like age and body weight ( 7 ).
What is pine bark extract made of?
SUMMARY. Pine bark extract is made from the bark of maritime pine trees — many of which are harvested in the Mediterranean. The liquid extract is often processed into a powdered form.
What is the bark of a pine tree called?
The trees are commonly called maritime or cluster pines. The bark of maritime pines is thick and grows in various shades of brown, orange, and red. Although many species of pine appear to have beneficial health properties, the majority of pine bark extracts sold as herbal supplements today come from maritime pines ( 2.
How long does Pycnogenol help with asthma?
One study including 76 asthma patients found that taking 100 milligrams of Pycnogenol daily for 6 months, in combination with inhaled corticosteroid medications, significantly improved coughing and wheezing and decreased dependency on the corticosteroids ( 31.
Is pine bark safe for pregnant women?
Still, some people may have sensitivities to pine bark, and certain populations — including older adults, pregnant and breastfeeding people, and those who are immunosuppressed. Because not enough research has been done supporting its safety in these groups, the use of pine bark extract should be avoided.
How much pine bark extract is in a pill?
Pine bark extract can be found in liquid, tablet or capsule form containing 85 percent to 90 percent OPCs. It can also be found as creams, lotions or ointments, typically containing 0.5 percent to 2 percent pine bark extract. If you choose to use Pycnogenol, follow the dosage instructions on the label. It’s best to check with your doctor about the ...
Where does pine bark extract come from?
Pine bark extract comes from the inner bark of the Pinus pinaster tree, most commonly found in Europe. A popular variety is the pinus maritime or the maritime pine that grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France. This bark extract has been around for about 450 years.
Is pine bark extract better than aspirin?
Both Aspirin and Pine Bark Extract Eliminate Pain. While both eliminate pain, the pine bark extract is a far better choice. As noted, aspirin can cause severe gastrointestinal issues. Pycnogenol has not been found to cause these issues — however, it may take a little longer the feel the relief from pain than aspirin.
Does pine bark extract help with pseudomonas?
Staves Off Infections. Studies have been conducted to review the effects of pine bark extract on pseudomonas infectious wounds. These wounds occur most frequently in hospitals or in those with weakened immune systems, such as after surgery. However, healthy people are not immune and can also develop mild infections, ...
Does pine bark help with diabetes?
The effects of the pine bark extract showed significant lower levels of blood glucose and improved endothelial function when compared to placebo, concluding that supplementation of Pycnogenol for treating conventional diabetes may be beneficial. ( 3) 2. Helps Prevent Hearing Loss and Balance.
Does pine bark help with erectile dysfunction?
Pine bark extract can help reduce muscle soreness and may help improve conditions relating to poor circulation, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, diabetes, ADHD, female reproductive issues, skin, erectile dysfunction , eye disease and sports stamina. Seems like it must be pretty amazing, but let’s look closer.
Does pine bark contain flavonols?
Continued research showed that the pine bark contained flavonols and bioflavonoids, which hold tissue-repairing properties.
What is the role of nitric oxide in blood flow?
Nitric oxide is an important molecule that facilitates vasodilation of the blood vessels. Its dilating action on the vessel wall allows it to expand so blood can flow freely. Adequate blood flow means your cells are getting the nutrients and oxygen they need.
Is pine bark good for free radicals?
Pine bark has long been used since the ancient times as a therapeutic agent. It’s a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. It gives some of its electrons to these uncharged molecules, deactivating them and rendering them less harmful.
Does pine bark help with diabetes?
Pine bark extract reduces blood sugar levels to a significant degree. One clinical study done on 30 patients with diabetes showed that pine bark extract and Pycnogenol® administration decreased postprandial blood sugar levels as well as HbA1c levels.
What is the main function of pine bark extract?
Pine Bark Extract: the main function. The active ingredient in Pine Bark Extract, Pycnogenol, can improve blood flow in vessels. According to studies conducted in 2018, Pycnogenol is responsible for lowering blood pressure to patients with Diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Who was the first French scientist to correlate the beneficial action of pine bark extract to resist free radicals?
Later on, Masquelier was the first French scientist to correlate the beneficial action of Pine Bark Extract to resist free radicals. He was awarded a US patent for that description study that brought Pycnogenol supplement to the center of the attention.
What are the compounds in French maritime pine bark?
Numerous phenolic compounds, catechins, taxifolin, and phenolic acid are always present in French Maritime Pine Bark Extract. Pycnogenol keeps on being one of the primary substances in Pinus extract. The simple composition of Pine Bark Extract reveals its significant effects on human health.
What is the best natural product for arthritis pain?
People with pain related to arthritis can find their best ailment using the French Pine Bark Extract. To be precise, Maritime Pinus is the best natural product you can try to reduce joint inflammation.
Does pinus extract help varicose veins?
All the studies have a direct comparison to placebo and contained no other med drugs. Varicose veins are also improved with maritime pinus extract. That is why people who have that kind of condition may benefit from the daily consumption of Pine Bark Extract supplements.
Does pycnogenol cause microangiopathy?
Some of the most useful studies performed by Belcaro and Rohdewald showed that Pycnogenol reduces the chance to develop diabetic microangiopathy (clogging of the thin vessels in upper or lower limbs).
Is pinus bark easy to find?
For that reason, Pine Bark Extract is easy to find. Handling and receiving the Extract is also a significant manufacturing process that involved several steps. Most supplements containing Pinus extract are in the liquid of capsules form so that you can manage to have a stable concentration in your bloodstream.
What did the Native Americans tell them about the tea?
Along with the rest of the crew, he developed symptoms of vitamin-C deficiency. Luckily, the Native Americans told them about a tea prepared from the bark of a certain tree, which miraculously led to complete recovery.
Does pycnogenol help with muscle cramps?
The study concluded that Pycnogenol can prevent cramps, muscular pain at rest, and pain after/ during exercise healthy people or those with diabetes or claudication.
Does pycnogenol help with endometriosis?
Pycnogenol lowered the use of analgesic drugs in dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual pain) Pycnogenol reduced symptoms in endometriosis comparable to leuprorelin, the standard drug for this condition. Pycnogenol was found to be effective for sun-caused hyperpigmented skin.
Why are pine trees important to Shinto?
The story of pine goes back a long time. Indeed, in Japanese culture, cypress and pine trees play a part in specific ritual implements and portions of temples in Shinto beliefs. As for the Roman empire, the fertility goddess Cybele inspired devotions to pine trees to symbolize eternal renewal in the cycles of Nature.
Why do pine needles protect plants?
Pine needles are also excellent to protect plants that grow in acidic environments, like rhododendron or azaleas. Spread them around those plant’s trunks. Important: In case of doubt, it is always useful to check with a specialist or ask your consulting physician before opting for a plant-based treatment.
What are the edible parts of a pine tree?
The edible portions of the pine tree are, among others: – pine nuts or pignoli are the se eds. Together with parmesan cheese and basil, they form the base of the famous Italian pesto or French pistou. – pine needles, – inner pine bark, – young male flowers,
What is the meaning of pine tree?
Pinterest. A mystical tree worshiped in many past civilizations, the Pine tree represents immortality in the Far East due to its long life span and its peculiar sap. It usually grows atop rocky mounts, in dry and poor soil that are acidic and sandy. The pine tree can grow to gigantic sizes, and its circumference is impressive.
How to store pine tree shoots?
When dry, store them in a paper bag, a cardboard box, a glass jar or a metal tin. You can also sow a cloth pouch to store them, too. To prepare your bathwater, dip the pouch with about 18 oz (500 grams) young pine tree shoots in the water.
How many species of pine trees are there?
There are at least 111 different species in this genus. Sometimes it is called “pinewood”. This tree’s name goes back to ancient Greek, Celtic and Sanskrit with the root word “ Pitu “ which means “drink” or “food”. The story of pine goes back a long time. Indeed, in Japanese culture, cypress and pine trees play a part in specific ritual implements ...
Can you steam pine shoots?
Other prefer to steam those young pine shoots, and serve them after just a few minute’s worth of steaming.
